What Do You Need To Get Motorcycle Insurance? More Than Just Money
Although money can buy you most things in this world, it can't buy you motorcycle insurance all by itself - not legally, anyway. Considering that the fines and penalties for being caught driving without legal insurance is climbing, it's cheaper to just get the insurance than risk getting caught. What do you need to get motorcycle insurance? A checklist follows below.
A Motorcycle
This might seem like a no-brainer in answering the question of what do you need to get motorcycle insurance, but some people need practical advice. In order for companies to give you quotes about rates, they need to know what kind of motorcycle you have - or are thinking of purchasing. At the very least, you have to have a specific model in mind. Getting quotes in advance can help you decide if you can even afford that new motorcycle.
Driver's License
What else do you need to get motorcycle insurance? You need a valid driver's license, preferably in the state that you live in. If you have just moved from another country or another state, get yourself the new state driver's license before you go motorcycle shopping. This will save you a lot of hassle and lower the cost of your monthly premiums.
Association Membership
But, what do you need to get motorcycle insurance and not pay an arm and a leg? If you are a member of a national motorcycle association such as Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Gold Wing Touring Association, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America or the motorcycle Safety Foundation. Not all insurers will give a discount if you are member of these clubs, but many will.
Guest Passenger Coverage
What else do you need to get motorcycle insurance? The insurer needs to know who is going to be driving the motorcycle and also needs to know if you will carrying any passengers. This is "guest passenger coverage" and is usually already included in car insurance, but you can save money by never letting anyone ride your cycle than yourself. Guest passenger coverage is not required by law, but check with your state to be sure.
You Driving Record
Motorcycle insurance companies will also need to know your driving record. They don't want to know about every little fender-bender - they want to know if you were ever found to be at fault in an accident or if you were ever arrested for a driving offence. If you have made some driving mistakes in the past, expect to pay higher rates than someone with a clean driving record.
